Brian Giles Added to the Dodgers NRI List
by David Young on Feb 7, 2010 1:10 AM PST
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PrintPer Ken Gurnick's tweet, The Dodgers have signed Brian Giles to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Giles has a career line of:
.291 / .400 / .502 / .902, 136 OPS+
but is coming off a horrendous 2009 season of:
.191 .277 / .271 / .548, 55.
Like most hitters, Giles, who turned 39 two weeks ago, seems to see his offense suppressed by Petco Park's pitcher-pleasing properties. For the last three seasons:
Petco Park: .253/.359/.353, 6 HR in 707 PA
On Road: .290/.366/.458, 21 HR in 751 PA
According to UZR as defined at fangraphs.com, Giles has been an average corner OF defensively for his career, but his slump extended to defense as well with an UZR/150 of -18.9 in 2009. Admittedly, he was dealing with injuries last year. He is a left-handed hitting outfielder with some power, something that the Dodgers were reportedly looking for. Perhaps he will challenge Doug Man, Mientki, Minky, er, Eye Chart for the left-handed bench bat job. He is the second Brian Giles (no relation, though both played high school ball in San Diego County) to play major league baseball.
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Kudos
to the person who saw him working out at Dodger Stadium a week or so ago while visiting.
vr, Xei
A commenter by the name of Ryan Francis. Not sure if that’s his real name, or whether he used the name of the USC PG who was slain a few years ago.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 8:39 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
um why?
if he stays with the team… does that mean there is no way mencawich stays?
I would imagine the role of LH PH is between Giles and Mientkiewicz.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 2:49 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Kudos to the Dodgers
for making a can’t sleep check of Twitter eventful!
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 2:51 AM PST via mobile reply actions
From a baseball standpoint, I’m OK with the Giles signing. If he’s healthy, he will be a good hitter off the bench and provide the LH power we need. He has been suppressed by Petco for years. Of course, health is a big question mark. I guess we’ll find out next month.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 3:20 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Brian Giles 2007-2009
Petco Park: .253/.359/.353, 6 HR in 707 PA
On Road: .290/.366/.458, 21 HR in 751 PA
Should, if healthy, be the best of the bunch as left handed PH..Can he still play effectively at all three OF positions? In the past, the answer would be yes. But now ?, i’d be very happy if the answer is still yes….
You have to go back to 2001 to find him spending significant time in CF. The last time he filled in their more than a few innings for the season is 2005. At 39-years old, I would doubt he can play the position well enough to make Torre feel comfortable giving him even the three ;) starts Kemp won’t make.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
seriously people, he’s 39 O.F. blow avg defender and hitter—-woot woot.
by Jaydavis on Feb 7, 2010 8:19 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Like I said, his right knee will determine things. If he’s healthy, he isn’t a below average hitter.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 8:29 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Buster Olney says it’s for $550k plus $200k in incentives. I’m trying to track down more info from Giles’ agent.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 7, 2010 8:27 AM PST via mobile reply actions
He’s going to make the team if he shows any signs of life in spring. Potentially the only power hitting pinch hitter we have.
Starters (8):
Martin
Loney
Belliard
Furcal
Blake
Ramirez
Kemp
Ethier
Bench (5):
Ausmus
Carroll
Giles
Johnson
Eye Chart OR Backup SS
Starters (5):
Kershaw
Billingsley
Kuroda
Padilla
Elbert (returned to AAA if he doesn’t win spot)
Bullpen (7):
Broxton
Kuo
Sherrill
Troncoso
Belisario
McDonald (if he wins 5th spot, put NRI here, possibly Lindblom)
Weaver
Pirates History
Highest OPS+ (minimum 1000 PA)
Ed Smartwood 168 OPS+ (played from 1882-92)
Brian Giles 158
Ralph Kiner 157
Honus Wagner 154
Barry Bonds 147
Willie Stargell 147
Jake Stenzel 147
Arky Vaughan 141
How can you fix Petco to make it less pitcher friendly?
Not that you would, but how would you do it?
The easiest way is to probably move in the fences, or maybe mess with the mound (downward). Other than that, I don’t know but I like Dave’s suggestion :)
$200k incentives
Giles has the same deal as Mientkiewicz…$550k plus $200k in incentives:
$25,000 for 150 PA
$25,000 for 200 PA
$50,000 for 250 PA
$50,000 for 300 PA
$50,000 for 350 PA
Also, I got some quotes from Brian Giles’ agent. I will have a new post up in a few minutes.
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